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Supporters of ‘Big Three’ clash in Kisii

Details

Published on Sunday, 09 September 2007 18:41

Violence erupted at a mass funeral service in Kisii, the venue of a political contest of sorts. But police moved in to contain the fracas. ODM presidential running mate, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, ODM-Kenya presidential candidate, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, and Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Raphael Tuju attended. The fracas occurred at the end of a requiem Mass for 30 accident victims. They died on August 31.

The Mass was turned into a political rally. Police quelled the ugly scene after supporters of ODM, ODM-Kenya, Narc-Kenya and Ford-People clashed in a brief confrontation. The situation degenerated after opposition and Government leaders took their popularity contest to the podium.

Chants of ‘ODM! ODM-Kenya! Narc-Kenya! Ford-People!’ overshadowed the inter-denominational service that disrupted business in the town. Trouble started at the close of what had been a peaceful ceremony when Ford-People MP, Mr Jimmy Angwenyi, grabbed a microphone from the master of ceremonies, Dr Hezron Manduku, and demanded to know why Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae’s speech had not been read.

As Angwenyi confronted Manduku, a section of the crowd started shouting in praise of Nyachae before those from ODM and ODM-Kenya joined the fray. Ford-People supporters charged at those of ODM and ODM-Kenya, leading to a running battle. Sensing trouble, police intervened and led Angwenyi out of the stadium, as part of the crowd jeered. Earlier, the ODM team led by Mudavadi had faced Kalonzo at the dais. Tension was evident as the three groups sat in close proximity.

Musalia had with him party treasurer Mr Omingo Magara and Migori MP Owino Likowa. Also present was former Cabinet Minister Mr Chris Obure and James Ongwae, a former PS in the Office of the President. Kalonzo was accompanied by his party chairman Mr Samwel Pogisio and Kaiti MP Mr Gideon Ndambuki.

Showdown

Mudavadi, who was the first to speak, received a standing ovation and elaborate cheers, with shouts of "ODM! ODM!" He exuded confidence that the ODM presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga, whom he said he represented at the function, would win the December presidential race. "I’m confident that our captain, Mr Raila Odinga who represents the wishes of the majority of Kenyans, will be given the mandate to lead this country. We are confident Kenyans will not let us down," he said.

But speaking immediately after Musalia, Kalonzo said his party deserved recognition. "Wachana na hii ODM ya wakina Magara (Omingo), ODM kamili ni ile yangu na nina imani mtaniunga mkono (forget about this ODM of Magara and his team. Mine is the genuine one and I hope you will support me)," said Kalonzo.

The Mwingi North MP said he was confident of winning. He said he would soon embark on a countrywide campaign. Tuju, who is the chairman of Narc-Kenya, called for peace, saying the General Election should not be used to create disunity. "The voters should not fight because we as leaders will always leave tension packed rallies like this and still meet over a cup of tea," Tuju said.
He said that those seeking leadership should restrain their supporters and educate them to accept other people’s views. Obwocha, who read President Kibaki’s condolence message, said political thuggery should not be entertained at rallies, adding, and "Those with divergent views should not be intimidated".

The leaders were speaking at the Gusii Stadium during a requiem Mass for the 30 people who died in a road accident in Kisii town last month. In his speech, Nyachae said the bridge at which the 30 died would be re-designed and rebuilt. The leaders led a huge crowd at the stadium in observing a minute’s silence in honour of those who died during the inter-denominational service.  At some point, tension ran high as a section of the crowd demanded that South Mugirango MP, Magara, takes over as the master of ceremonies from Dr Manduku.

Manduku gave in to the demands, attracting a huge applause from the crowd. Due to the confusion, Manduku failed to read Nyachae’s speech. In his speech, President Kibaki directed the police to deal firmly with those breaking traffic rules.